Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I've recently - finally - got my Asperger diagnosis, preceded by an ADHD diagnosis. I'm in my 60s, and was misdiagnosed many years ago as bipolar, and had an even earlier label as a (gifted) child of being 'maladjusted'! I've since discovered that many autistic children were given this label, as child psychology was then in its infancy. Other than psychotic or schizophrenic, there were no diagnoses for children's mental health issues. My life has not been easy, and athough this diagnosis has been very welcome and has answered many questions, it's very hard for me to find anybody who can understand me and the difficulties I face. I've tried counselling a couple of times, but found that most professionals know nothing about autism other than basics like binary thinking and so find it hard to understand my (logical) take on everything. It would be great to hear back from anyone else who is in a similar situation, and to know that I'm not alone.
Hi there, I can absolutely emphasise with your situation. My sister has only recently been diagnosed with Aspergers in her early 30s after years of wondering why she was like she was. On one hand she desperately needed the diagnosis to answer her questions but on the other hand she’s having such trouble actually accepting it and that there’s no magic pill that is going to make her feel better. It’s unbelievable that there is such little support for adults with autism.... everything is geared towards children it seems. You are definitely not alone and it’s half comforting to know that my sister is also not alone... there are others in a similar situation. If you discover anything that helps you please share!